Elevated Friday, December 21st, 2018

Happy Elevated Friday! Today we highlight a story of giving on a day that most people look forward to as a day of receiving. In Orlando, Florida, a couple named Brad and Jennifer got married over the weekend and had a unique way to celebrate the occasion. Brad’s family always had a tradition at Christmastime to go shopping as a family for toys that they could donate to needy children through Toys for Tots. Jennifer soon joined into the family tradition while they were dating and instead of having a traditional wedding reception, they took all the wedding guests to a local Target store to shop for toys. Brad and Jennifer gave each guest a $10 gift card to use, but naturally, the guests wound up spending much, much more.

When we think about it, God has truly given each off us so much to be thankful for and at the same time, must have had to endure unimaginable frustration when He sees us squander away our blessings or use them for sinful gain. Jesus made God’s position on giving clear when he said to his disciples, “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” There is nothing wrong with receiving blessings from others, but when we prioritize receiving over giving, we start walking the path that leads us away from God. However, we draw closer to the heart of God whenever we choose to give in situations when most would rather receive. Today, as you are finishing up your Christmas shopping, choose to give to those less fortunate than yourself.

“Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” – Luke 6:38 ESV

Original Article:

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